One year on and Datsun Redi-Go gets a power upgrade. How effective is the transition from an 800 cc to 1000 cc engine is what we are here to find out!

Thinking big and vouching for a change, Datsun India is on a mission to make an impact in the mind of a customer. For that reason, the company has chosen some aggressive campaigns to best describe their small hatch the Redi-Go on television. #VoteForChange is just not a mere paraphrase but the intent to bring something big to the automobile market and that for you – Ladies and Gentlemen is the Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 Litre. Can a bigger and more powerful engine change the wind in Datsun Redi-Go favour is something that we are just about to find out!

Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 Litre – Exterior Design

When launched last year for the first time in India, the Datsun Redi-Go redefined the way at which we now look at compact small cars in the country. This was due to the fact that it has a unique look that created a sense of curiosity in the mind of the bystander especially at a time when we first got our hands on the Redi-Go almost 14 months ago. Also Read: Datsun redi-GO 1.0L bookings open; Price in India & launch date

From then to now, we have been handed out yet another opportunity to feel plus experience the bigger and better variant – Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 Litre. So how different is it from its 800cc sibling? Well by just comparing the exterior design, besides the 1.0 litre badge there is no drastic difference. But still what commands attention is its tall boy design that is characterized by a D-shaped honey comb grille upfront with LED Day Time Running Lights, a first for its segment. Also Read: Datsun redi-Go 1000cc India launch likely by next month

While the sides cater to flattened out wheel arches, 6 spoke plastic hub cap design, coloured door handles among the rest. Whereas the rear brings together a rather tall tailgate which in turns features vertical lights on either sides, a chrome strip located at the lower end of the boot lid and a dual tone bumper all contributing to the unique look of this vehicle.

However the only drawback to Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 litre is that besides the 1.0 litre badge there is nothing that could really differentiate it from its 800cc Avatar unlike others for example the Renault Kwid which are the graphic to make a distinction between the 800cc and 1000cc versions. Also Read: Datsun Redi-Go helps Nissan India register a growth of 39 percent

Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 Litre – Interior Design

Unlike the exterior, the interior of the Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 litre is something that one needs to checkout. As this is the place where most of us spend our time while being on the road, Datsun India has ensured that they spruce up the cabin a wee bit more. Therefore with the layout remaining the same, what the company has gone ahead and done is to introduce Piano Black finish to the centre console that features a music system with a CD player.

Speaking about this system with an upgrade in variant, one would have expected more upmarket features like Bluetooth which still remains non-existent in Redi-Go 1.0 Litre. Though to compensate there is a USB port and Aux-in thrown into the package. That aside, the element to watch out for is the dual tone treatment given to the upholstery which blends in perfectly with the overall design. From a utilitarian point of view, the seats still offer good amount of head, shoulder and leg room. The under thigh support is also pretty decent for occupants seated towards the rear. Also Read: Datsun launches Go and Go+ anniversary editions in India

Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 Litre – Engine and Performance

So it is here where the stark difference arises. Datsun Redi-Go since its inception last year with an 800 cc engine now gets a lift in power with the introduction of a 1000 cc engine. The Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 litre features the same engine configuration that we see on the current Renault Kwid 1.0 litre courtesy Nissan Renault Alliance. This 1.0 I – SAT petrol engine is capable of delivering a power output of 67 Bhp with 91 Nm of torque as it comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Datsun claims that adhering to customer feedback they have worked on reducing the NVH levels in Redi-Go 1.0 litre which is true as the cabin is less noisy than before. Having driven it in the city of Goa, this 1.0 litre unit comes across to be apt for daily commuting especially due to the addition of 200cc that enables more power for each gear. Also Read: 650 Datsun Redi-Go&#039;s gifted to employees by Surat based merchant

Unlike the 800cc that felt a bit under powered this one now is definitely peppy to drive. As for the transmission, the shifts are not that smooth as expected but still manage to perform their duty. In terms of power delivery, the low end rev range (below 2000 RPM) still remains a bit of a concern as one is required to change gears frequently.

Beyond that the mid-range is really very relishing especially when out on the highway as the Redi-Go 1.0 Litre will surprise you by its performance. Reaching triple digit speeds is no more a problem for this one. The suspension set-up and handling is more or less the same as before as this small hatchback does well to adapt itself with Indian road conditions.

Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 Litre – Verdict

Aiming for a 5 percent market share by 2020, Datsun India has a very clear objective. With 8 products in the pipeline, the introduction of Datun Redi-Go 1.0 litre is the right step in that direction. The Redi-Go 1.0 litre might not have much to offer on the outside besides a badge change that too towards the rear, the subtle changes in the cabin keep things going.

However the major alteration to the power plant has ensured that most of the drawbacks found in the Redi-Go have been addressed and therefore more impactful performance is now handed out to the user. Set for a 26th July launch, the Datsun Redi-Go 1.0 litre is good option for those who are on the look-out for a small hatchback that is unique, comfortable and performance driven.